To find colleges that are a good fit, you need to learn about the
factors that can influence your experience in and out of the
classroom. Develop your personal list of college search criteria
to find the best colleges for you.

A better search strategy will give you better results! Whether
you want information about colleges you think are a good fit, or
you want to find new colleges that are right for you, we have the
tips to get you started and the tools to finish the job

To find colleges that are a good fit, you need to learn about the factors that can influence your experience in and out of the classroom. Develop your personal list of college search criteria to find the best colleges for you.

A better search strategy will give you better results! Whether you want information about colleges you think are a good fit, or you want to find new colleges that are right for you, we have the tips to get you started and the tools to finish the job.

Expert
Advice

When you apply to college, planning and attention to detail really matter! Check out our advice on getting organized, how to make your college applications stand out, and what to do when decisions arrive.

When you apply to college, planning and attention to detail really matter! Check out our advice on getting organized, how to make your college applications stand out, and what to do when decisions arrive.

Why You Need to File the FAFSA

If you want financial aid, your first step is to apply for it. The place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for need-based financial aid. Most colleges will use information from your FAFSA to create your financial aid award.

By All Means, File a FAFSA

Many families with children in college do not file a FAFSA. Some believe they are not eligible for aid. Others think the form is just too complicated. But anyone who fills out the FAFSA will at least qualify for a federally insured, low-cost loan—and perhaps other valuable aid such as Pell grants.

What the FAFSA Asks

The FAFSA asks for information about both student and parents (if the student is unmarried and under 24). This information includes income and assets and basic facts about the student's household. It must be accurate as of the day you file your FAFSA. There's a new version of the FAFSA for each school year, and you must update your FAFSA annually to keep getting aid.

What Happens When You File Your FAFSA

Information from your FAFSA determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is the amount you and your family will be expected to pay for college, no matter what college you attend. Colleges use your EFC to calculate how much government aid you are eligible for. Most colleges also use your EFC to calculate your eligibility for financial aid from their own funds. You'll receive your EFC from one to three weeks after submitting your FAFSA in a document called the Student Aid Report (SAR).

When to File Your FAFSA

The first day you can access and submit the FAFSA is October 1. The critical deadlines to meet are the priority financial aid deadlines of the colleges you apply to and your state's FAFSA deadline. However, filing the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1 will put you near the front of the line for financial aid.

How to Fill Out the FAFSA

You can complete the entire FAFSA application online at fafsa.ed.gov. (A paper FAFSA is also available.) The FAFSA website provides a list of documents you should have on hand when you fill out the FAFSA. Most important, you will need your and your parents' income tax return from two years prior to your anticipated college entrance date. For example, if you plan to enroll in college in the fall of 2018, you will use tax data from 2016. The FAFSA offers a data retrieval tool that transfers your tax information from the IRS website directly into your FAFSA.

How to Line Up Colleges to Get Your FAFSA Results

You can select up to ten colleges to receive your SAR. (You can add more colleges later.) You will need the federal school code for each college, available on fafsa.ed.edu. These colleges will see your EFC and a summary of the information you reported on your FAFSA, but they won't see the other colleges that you selected.

Where to Get FAFSA Help

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your high school counselor, a college's financial aid office, and the FAFSA website are all good resources. Many states hold FAFSA events (sometimes called "College Goal Sundays") where students can get free, onsite, professional assistance with completing the FAFSA form. Visit Form Your Future to find specific locations and dates in your state.

How to Make Changes to Your FAFSA

Your FAFSA should be accurate as of the day you sign it. If you find mistakes on your FAFSA or SAR, you can submit corrections via the FAFSA website or by calling (800) 433-3243. However, changes to your or your family's financial situation that occur after you sign your FAFSA usually cannot be updated. You can contact the college's financial aid office and explain your situation. You may be asked to submit a letter detailing the new considerations, backed up by copies of relevant documents.

What to Do If You Are Selected for "Verification"

Sometimes, colleges will ask you to provide documentation for the information in your SAR. Be sure to save the records and materials you used to complete the FAFSA in case this happens. And be sure to print a copy of the FAFSA before you submit it.